'24: Legacy' to Get Comic Book Prequel 'Rules of Engagement'

Courtesy of Georges Jeanty/IDW Publishing

The new five-issue comic book series reveals the history of Jack Bauer's replacement in the CTU and launches in April.

Next month, the clock starts ticking again when 24: Legacy — a new incarnation of the Fox drama starring Corey Hawkins and Jimmy Smits — reopens the televisual war on terror. In April, IDW Publishing will help turn the clock back to reveal the history of the show's new hero.

The five-part comic book series 24: Legacy — Rules of Engagement will fill out the backstory of Eric Carter, the lead of the new TV series, by showing his experience in Iraq and Washington, D.C., before he became a national hero (and, subsequently, a hunted man) for killing a terrorist leader in the Middle East. Written by screenwriter and novelist Christopher Farnsworth, with art by Antonio Fuso, the series is being overseen by 24: Legacy executive producers Manny Coto and Evan Katz.

“I’ve been a fan of 24 since the first episode, and I’m grateful to IDW for giving me the chance to contribute in a small way to its mythology," Farnsworth told The Hollywood Reporter about Rules of Engagement. "I also get to blow a lot of stuff up on the page, which is always pretty cool. I’m going to do my best to live up to the expectations of the show."

The series will continue IDW's relationship with the 24 property, which has previously included a number of one-off issues and miniseries based on the Jack Bauer incarnation of the property, most recently 2014's 24: Underground prequel to the 24: Die Another Day TV series.

24: Legacy — Rules of Engagement will be available digitally and in comic book stores in April.